Rail funding unresolved after 7-hour hearing, dog kills Kauai shearwaters, marijuana dispensaries plan reopening, employee retirement system rebounding, Kona well failure, no jail time for manager in deadly fireworks blast, Maui family sues Las Vegas police over deadly chokehold, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rail construction June 15, 2017, PC: HART

With the special session on rail looming in two weeks, legislators still don’t have a deal. But leaders from both chambers appeared open to raising the state’s hotel room tax to help rescue the beleaguered transit project during a marathon hearing Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Lawmakers Not Sold On Rail Tax Extension. Legislators attending a briefing Monday appeared more favorable to tapping hotel tax money to help pay for the $10 billion rail line. Civil Beat.

Joint Legislative Hearing on Honolulu Rail Transit Project Conducted. Hawaii Public Radio.

With a funding plan due to the Federal Transit Administration in just about a month, state lawmakers held a marathon hearing Monday to consider different ways of paying for the Honolulu's controversial rail project. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's tourism industry is finally getting a chance to sound off on a plan to raise the hotel room tax. It's one solution to generating money to complete the city's rail system to Ala Moana. KITV.

A special session on how to pay for the rest of Honolulu’s rail project may be in jeopardy. State lawmakers told us they were committed to holding one, but now things are up in the air. KHON2.

Neighbor Island rail taxes still on the table. West Hawaii Today.

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The state Employees’ Retirement System, Hawaii’s largest public pension fund, chipping away at a $12 billion shortfall, nearly doubled the investment return targeted by its trustees and posted its best fiscal year performance since 2014. Star-Advertiser.

Marijuana dispensaries that ran out of product within days of opening are blaming the state Department of Health, which in turn is blaming the only marijuana testing lab, Steep Hill Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s only two medical marijuana dispensaries plan to reopen on Wednesday with more inventory. Civil Beat.

Roughly 900 people have drowned over the past 10 years in Hawaii, with the rate of visitor deaths continuing to far outpace that of local residents, according to the latest data from state and county officials. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Kahala Hotel &Resort is withdrawing its request to obtain a rare nonexclusive easement to use about an acre of public shoreline for commercial enterprises. Star-Advertiser.

Construction on the Airport Guideway and Stations segment of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project will begin Tuesday night near Aloha Stadium. Hawaii News Now.

Will Native Hawaiians Be The Victims In This Fight Over A Royal Fortune? The legacy of a Hawaiian princess who has spent her life supporting Hawaiian causes is at stake in a struggle over control of her $200 million estate. Civil Beat.

Six years after a deadly explosion at a Waikele bunker that killed 5 people, a company manager tied to operations at the site of the blast won't spend any time behind bars. Hawaii News Now.

The former project manager of a munitions storage and disposal company was sentenced Monday to probation and a fine of $250 for improperly storing explosive material. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based BAE Systems Hawaii on Monday received a $24 million modification to a previously awarded contract for scheduled maintenance on the USS Port Royal, the U.S. Department of Defense said. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Department of Water Supply has grappled with the question of why deepwell failure has been so widespread and simultaneous across North Kona over the last year, a development that has resulted in usage restrictions and sparked public fear and frustration. West Hawaii Today.

For the second time this year, water supply customers are under an emergency water restriction following the failure of the Honokohau Deepwell located in North Kona. It is the fifth off-line water well serving the Kona area. Big Island Video News.

Among the tenants at Hawaii Island's new homeless safe zone: The mayor's executive assistant. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A stay that temporary blocks Maui Lani Partners from conducting sand mining and excavation work at its development in Central Maui, remains in place as a hearing resumes next week. Maui Now.

Hawaii family sues Las Vegas police department after fatal officer chokehold. Hawaii News Now.

Some suspended school bus routes in West Maui could be back in service as soon as Monday. KHON2.

Employment in the arts, entertainment and recreation segment in Maui County grew around 33 percent in the second quarter as compared to the same time last year, resulting in 700 more jobs, according to state figures. Maui News.

The Central Maui Landfill and Olowalu Recycling and Refuse Convenience Center were operating normally Monday, following a stubborn fire at Maui EKO Systems green waste and composting operations that began Friday. Maui News.

According to a recent housing report by the Realtors Association of Maui, year-to-date closed sales for condominiums on Maui are up 7.3 percent, with the median price up 10 percent, while single-family home sales inched up only 1.6 percent. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

A stray dog killed 33 adult wedge-tailed shearwaters in a colony at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai’s Westside in early August. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative said Monday it asked the state Public Utilities Commission to approve new ways to credit solar system owners on the island. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai’s Shifting Sands Offer Clues To Beach’s Future. A local scientist is trying to understand how development might affect Wailua beach near the Coco Palms resort site. Civil Beat.

Lihue Airport reported a temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit that broke the Aug. 12 record of 88 set in 2007. Garden Island.

Neighbor Islands could help pay for Honolulu rail, new undersea cable connects Hawaii to Asia, U.S. mainland, endangered bat at center of Oahu windfarm fight, Trump administration says Pacific bluefin tuna not endangered, more news from all the Hawaii Islands

Undersea cable installation

This month web, data and voice traffic will begin flowing through a new $250 million undersea fiber cable connecting Hawaii, the U.S. mainland and Asia. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Consider Having Neighbor Islands Help Pay For Oahu’s Troubled Rail Project. Hawaii lawmakers are weighing five options to provide funding to complete Honolulu’s over-budget rail line from Kapolei to Ala Moana, including a statewide increase in the general excise and hotel taxes, according to a state Senate presentation. Civil Beat.

The state Legislature is hosting a public informational briefing on state funding for the City & County of Honolulu’s rail project at 10 a.m. Aug. 14 in the State Capitol auditorium. Garden Island.

The Trump administration on Monday announced that a sushi restaurant staple — Pacific bluefin tuna — is not in danger of becoming extinct, despite historically low numbers. Star-Advertiser.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries branch has determined that Pacific bluefin tuna are not endangered and do not need protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. Garden Island.

Hawaii will receive around $477,000 as part of a multi-state settlement with pharmaceutical manufacturer Celgene Corp. over its alleged illegal marketing activities. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell said he supports the idea of barring adults from smoking in vehicles when children are present, and would likely sign such a measure should it make it to his desk. Star-Advertiser.

An endangered native bat is at the center of a fight over a controversial wind farm proposal on Oahu's North Shore. Concerned residents showed up for Monday's contested case hearing for the Na Pua Makani project in Kahuku. Hawaii News Now.

Crews begin work on clearing homeless at Pearl Harbor bike path, Neal Blaisdell Park. Hawaii News Now.

Safety check system goes down, bringing inspections to a halt. KHON2.

State leaders are highlighting their latest efforts to help ease the island’s back-to-school traffic, which this year is expected to bring an estimated 53,000 students onto the roadways. Star-Advertiser.

A delegation from Honolulu -- made up of representatives from the city, tourism industry, and business owners -- recently traveled to Nagaoka, Japan to discuss possible partnerships between the two cities.  Hawaii News Now.

The Waianae Neighborhood Board isn’t buying into the idea of a proposed subdivision near Pokai Bay. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Company is proposing updates to Oahu's power grid that could cost about $205 Million. KITV.

Close to $150 million in condominium sales revenue from four towers in Kakaako helped the developer of Ward Village turn a profit in the second quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Howard Hughes Corporation Shifts to Build for Families in Kakaako. Hawaii Public Radio.

Valley of the Temples Memorial Park held a ceremonial groundbreaking Monday for a new mortuary and chapel to be created by expanding a historic main building at the Kaneohe cemetery. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim has renewed his transit consultant’s $9,584-a-month contract after the county Human Resources Department deemed Kim’s pick ineligible for the permanent civil service position of transit administrator. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim is nearly ready to bring his plan to attack the problem of homelessness to the Hawaii County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Life At Camp Kikaha. Big Island Video News.

The lawyer for a Kona coffee farmer who was deported back to Mexico despite being called a “pillar of his community” by a U.S. judge plans to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals on the grounds that he was legitimately married to a U.S. citizen and should not have been deported. Star-Advertiser.

Hilo Hattie’s is returning the Big Island with the soft opening of a scaled-back storefront tentatively planned for some time around Labor Day. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Island’s eucalyptus trees have been a financial albatross for two decades. Now there may finally be a use for the trees: burn them for electricity. Civil Beat.

The state is seeking an operator for its planned initiative selling carbon offset credits for reforestation and recovery of 4,700 acres of Hawaii island pasture land. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The Department of Education continues to modify Maui school bus routes as its new bus vendor works to recruit more drivers during what the DOE is calling a critical shortage. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Fishermen and conservationists on Kauai are leading a rally against the proposed aerial drop of rodenticides on Lehua Island. Garden Island.

The Democratic Party of Kauai is looking for people to take the helm. Garden Island.

The number of single-family homes sold on Kauai jumped last month, but the median price dropped 25 percent, according to statistics from the Kauai Board of Realtors provided by Hawaii Information Service. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii soldier arrested in ISIS terrorism probe, Ige signs income tax changes, Honolulu tackles plastic bag ban loophole, California man jumps to his death at Kilauea volcano, new liquor rules for Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Polynesian Cultural Center © 2017 All Hawaii News

The Polynesian Cultural Center has been voted as the top must-see attraction in Hawaii by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Poll. Pacific Business News.

In a case alleging homegrown terrorism, a Schofield Barracks soldier from Hawaii remained in federal custody Monday on accusations that he attempted to provide classified military documents, a drone and combat training to Islamic State — a group to which he is said to have pledged loyalty. Star-Advertiser.

An active duty soldier based in Hawaii pledged his allegiance to the Islamic State group, helped purchase a drone for it to use against American forces and said he wanted to use his rifle to “kill a bunch of people,” according to an FBI affidavit. Associated Press.

An active duty Hawaii soldier who was arrested for allegedly trying to provide material support and training to the Islamic State told an undercover federal agent Saturday that he wanted to kill "a bunch of people." Hawaii News Now.

Kaiser grad accused of affiliation with ISIS made first Federal court appearance. KITV.

An active-duty soldier assigned to Schofield Barracks appeared in federal court Monday on terrorism charges. KHON2.

Born and raised in Waimanalo, Ikaika Kang graduated from Kaiser High School in 2001. Star-Advertiser.

The father of a Hawaii soldier who was arrested for allegedly trying to offer support and training to Islamic State says he's shocked to hear the allegations, and believes his son may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Hawaii News Now.

The charges against the US soldier accused of pledging his loyalty to ISIS stunned his family. KITV.

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Gov. David Ige approved a new law Monday that increases income tax rates for the state’s wealthiest residents while also creating a new state earned income tax credit to ease the state tax burden on some of Hawaii’s poorest working families. Star-Advertiser.

A new law to provide relief to low income workers in Hawaii was signed today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tax relief for Hawaii's low income working families. That's on the horizon next year in the way of a food tax credit. KITV.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige expressed support for raising the state’s transient accommodations tax by 1 percent while maintaining the counties’ share of hotel room taxes at $93 million. Associated Press.

The state Legislature will convene for five days starting August 28th 2017 to hammer out a financial plan for Honolulu’s rail transit project. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state House and Senate will not hold a special session to override bills on Gov. David Ige’s intent-to-veto list. Garden Island.

The Democratic Party of Hawaii has launched its nationwide “Summer of Resistance and Renewal” program to engage and motivate party members and activists from the grass roots. Garden Island.

Gov. David Ige was one of more than 5,000 Hawaii residents who submitted letters and petitions in support of the Papahanau­mokuakea National Marine Monument during the 60-day comment period for the Trump administration’s review of 27 national monuments created by previous presidents. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Telcom Inc. is merging with Cincinnati Bell in deal worth $650 million, the two companies announced Monday. Pacific Business News.

Once again the change in ownership of one of Hawaii’s top utilities will wind up in the hands of the state Public Utilities Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council will consider a bill Wednesday to close a loophole in the plastic bag ban that currently allows the use of thicker plastic checkout bags. Civil Beat.

A conceptual plan for an upgraded Blaisdell Center complex calls for extending Victoria Street down to Kapiolani Boulevard, building a new exhibition hall, renovating both the arena and the concert hall, and creating more parking and green space. Star-Advertiser.

Mokauea Island, a 13-acre island known as Oahu’s last Hawaiian fishing village, is threatened by pollution and rising sea levels, while the handful of residents face uncertainty about their long-term lease with the state. Civil Beat.

Construction begins to expand popular homeless shelter on Sand Island. Hawaii News Now.

Alexander & Baldwin, one of Hawaii’s largest owners of commercial real estate, said Monday that it is converting to a real estate investment trust and has hired an experienced REIT executive to serve as the Honolulu-based company’s chief financial officer. Pacific Business News.

Frustration over illegal fishing is growing in a Windward Oahu community, and some Waimanalo residents say they're stepping up their own efforts to help stop the problem. Hawaii News Now.

Civil Beat has set up a webcam overlooking an endangered seal and pup's temporary home on Kaimana Beach and will be livestreaming the scene during daylight hours for the next few weeks. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The father of a 38-year-old Petaluma, Calif., man whose body was recovered by helicopter from Kilauea caldera early Sunday morning said his son left a suicide note in his backpack found Saturday night on Crater Rim Trail by a pair of visitors. Tribune-Herald.

A list of properties to be ranked for public purchase next year is dominated by North Kohala, which accounts for seven of the 12 properties on the list. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council, on the verge of implementing a ban on polystyrene food containers on the Big Island, heard compelling arguments from both sides of the issue on Friday before postponing a vote on the matter. Big Island Video News.

Melting permafrost isn’t just an issue for the arctic. According to a new study, Mauna Kea’s last vestiges of frozen earth are in retreat. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island first in the United States to go countywide with Blue Zones Project. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

After months of public backlash, the county Liquor Control Commission will take another look Wednesday at rules allowing 24-hour liquor sales, hostess bar caps and home delivery of alcohol — all changes that residents have said were put in place without public input and will hold consequences for the community. Maui News.

$350 M Kahului Airport CONRAC Gets Strong Bond Rating. Maui Now.

A senior affordable housing project consisting of two six-story buildings is proposed to take the place of A&B Properties’ long-delayed commercial mixed-use project across from Foodland in Kahului. Maui News.

The restrooms located at the summit visitor’s center of Haleakala National Park are temporarily closed due to a system malfunction. Maui Now.

Tournahaulers that once trucked sugar cane from the fields to the mill will be leaving Maui for good today. Maui News.

Kauai

A Kauai community group unhappy with the newest edition of the General Plan Update is trying to figure out how to move forward. Garden Island.

A public meeting on a new workforce housing project in Poipu is scheduled 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Koloa Neighborhood Center. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Telcom takeover, special session set, Bruno Mars seeks to save Waikiki Natatorium, Kona coffee farmer deported, defending Hawaii from missile strikes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Courtesy Hawaiian Telcom

Hawaiian Telcom, the state’s largest telecommunications company, and Cincinnati Bell are merging in a cash-and-stock deal worth $650 million. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Telcom shareholders have voted to merge with a telecoms firm on the mainland, but the company says there will be “no material change” to local jobs. Hawaii News Now.

Cincinnati Bell Inc. agreed to buy Hawaiian Telcom Holdco Inc. for $650 million and OnX Enterprise Solutions for $201 million as the Midwestern landline carrier joins the race to build bigger fiber networks to handle soaring internet traffic. Bloomberg.

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Congressional delegation at odds with experts on defending isles from missiles. Star-Advertiser.

Legislators announce special session to hash out rail funding. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Legislature has scheduled a special session Aug. 28-Sept. 1 to try again to reach a deal on funding the remainder of Honolulu’s 20-mile rail project, now estimated to cost $10 billion. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige signed a bill Thursday that's aimed at assuring elderly couples will be able to stay together in community care homes. Hawaii News Now.

A proposal would ban new permits for commercial aquarium fishing and it’s sitting on the governor’s desk awaiting his decision. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige has reappointed three members of the Hawaii Land Use Commission, the governor's office said Friday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s marijuana dispensaries received another set-back this week when a key insurer pulled out of their market. Hawaii Public Radio.

A year-round career guidance and college-preparatory program that Kamehameha Schools runs for high school students outside of its three campuses is being recognized today with a national counseling award. Star-Advertiser.

Water catchment systems need to be properly maintained. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Growing homeless encampments prompt proposal for armed park rangers. Star-Advertiser.

Is This Kahala Man’s Pitch To Help The Homeless For Real? Some people are skeptical of a man with a criminal past who says he wants to sell his multimillion-dollar Kahala home and give $200,000 to a foundation to help working homeless families. Civil Beat.

The state Land and Natural Resource’s Division of Boating and Ocean Resources division will be hosting a public meeting Monday night to gather input on the community's vision for the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Bruno Mars wants his fans to give him their attention for one of Hawaii’s landmarks, the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu restaurants and other food-related businesses won’t be required to donate leftover or surplus food to the needy — at least not for the time being. Star-Advertiser.

A proposed plan could either require or recommend restaurants to donate leftovers to families who struggle to get food on the table. KITV.

The state has opened up a public comment period for a solar project set to be built in Kalaeloa near Hawaiian cultural sites. Star-Advertiser.

The Friday night fireworks show that the Hilton Hawaiian Village has been putting on for the public for more than two decades is now subject to rent closer to that imposed on all other fireworks shows for the portion of the public beach designated as a safety zone around the launch area. Civil Beat.

An online petition urging New York University administrators to expel a student from Hawaii recently convicted for his part in the destruction of more than a dozen federally protected Laysan albatross and their nests at the Kaena Point Natural Reserve has garnered more than 28,000 signatures since it was posted on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has been selected, along with 21 universities across the country, to receive grants from NASA for research and technology development projects in areas critical to the agency's mission. Pacific Business News.

Residents in Lanikai are banding together following a violent dog attack in the neighborhood earlier this week. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

A respected Kona coffee farmer who lived illegally in the United States for nearly 30 years said goodbye to his wife and three children Friday night before boarding flights he paid for to San Francisco, Houston and finally, Morelia, Mexico, ahead of an immigration deportation order, his daughter said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County’s updated flood zone maps are now available after a yearslong revision effort by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Tribune-Herald.

More than 60 hikers were either cited or warned Saturday for trespass into the closed Kohala Forest Reserve on Hawaii, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a press release Saturday. West Hawaii Today.

The Division of Conservation & Resources Enforcement cited or warned over 60 hikers for trespass, and the state recorded video. Big Island Video News.

Bolstered by the passage of a similar measure on Maui, the Hawaii County Council on Friday moved an amended version of a bill banning polystyrene foam food containers to the Environmental Management Commission. West Hawaii Today.

A serious and lingering water shortage in North Kona came to a new head earlier this month with the failure of a fifth county well — leaving residents in the west side’s population center confused, angry and wondering when the problem is going to get a real fix. Civil Beat.

Are Puna and Kau being discriminated against? Jen Ruggles thinks so, especially when it comes to basic human services. Civil Beat.

Changes to Kealakekua Public Library schedule add hours, end Saturday access. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

While saying he’s open to “all options” to raise more money needed for Oahu’s troubled 20-mile rail mass transit project, Gov. David Ige expressed support for raising the state’s transient accommodations tax by 1 percentage point while maintaining the counties’ share of hotel room taxes at $93 million. Maui News.

Water quality staff members still aren’t sure what caused E. coli in Ualapue well samples in December and June, but county Department of Water Supply Director Dave Taylor assured residents that the water is “absolutely” safe to drink. Maui News.

More than 100 trees will be removed from the county right of way on Piʻiholo Road due to hazardous conditions. Maui Now.

Motorists can expect intermittent road closures along Piiholo Road beginning Monday morning while crews remove 20 hazardous eucalyptus trees, according to a Maui County announcement. Maui News.

Roadwork will start today in an area near the intersection of Haleakala and Hana highways, according to an announcement. Maui News.

Kauai

The Community Coalition Kauai will hold a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at King Kaumualii Elementary School on the county’s General Plan update. Garden Island.

Plan aims to strengthen relations between tourism, community. Garden Island.

Saturday afternoon’s La Hoi Hoi Ea (Sovereignty Restoration Day) at Kauai Community College wasn’t just a day of remembrance and celebration of Hawaiian culture and tradition. Garden Island.

Jeff Stone’s project to revamp the Princeville entry on Kauai’s North Shore is almost to its final phase, according to representatives from The Resort Group. Garden Island.

Farmers boost profits by offering tours. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

After years of speculation, wildlife officials have confirmed the presence of an endangered bat subspecies on Kahoolawe Island, located about 7 miles southwest of Maui. Associated Press.

NOAA begins survey of marine life, Hawaii first state in nation to pay family caregivers, federal judge knocks down travel ban challenge, taxes at issue in rail special session, Maui audits pCards, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette off Maui in 2004, NOAA Photo by Ray Boland

A research ship was launched Thursday on the first leg of a six-month mission to survey whales, dolphins and seabirds across the Hawaiian archipelago, a vast expanse of 1.8 million square nautical miles. Star-Advertiser.

Scientists and researchers kicked off the Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey on Thursday. Garden Island.

Using high-powered binoculars, hydrophones and, for the first time, drones, researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will spend the next six months documenting whales, dolphins and other marine life around the main and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Maui News.

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A federal judge in Honolulu on Thursday denied an emergency motion by the state of Hawaii to clarify what constitutes a close family relationship in the rules of President Donald Trump’s partial travel ban. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge in Honolulu declined Thursday to second-guess how the Trump administration is implementing the scaled-back version of the travel ban. Civil Beat.

With the Hawaii Legislature poised to hold a special session in July or August to address paying for the over-budget, $10 billion rail project, the question of which tax is best to pay for rail will take center stage. Civil Beat.

Supreme Court hears arguments on constitutionality of city, state rail tax issue. Hawaii News Now.

Free or low cost legal services for residents in need is in jeopardy as funding for civil legal services has been cut from the Hawaii State Judiciary’s budget for at least the next year. Civil Beat.

The Kupuna Caregivers Act passed Thursday, making Hawaii the first state in the nation to offer money to caregivers who also work full-time. Hawaii News Now.

United Airlines has apologized to a Hawaii teacher who was forced to hold her 2-year-old son on her lap for three-and-a-half hours after an employee gave the toddler’s purchased seat to a standby passenger. Associated Press.

Hawaii State Attorney General Doug Chin was among the Democratic attorneys general from 18 states and the District of Columbia who sued U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos today over her decision to suspend rules that were meant to protect students from abuse by for-profit colleges. Associated Press.

The state Health Department announced Thursday that 10 more people in Hawaii have been diagnosed with mumps, including four on Kauai, raising the statewide total to 143 cases. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is awarding more than $4 million in federal to three community health centers in Hawaii. They include the Community Clinic of Maui ($1.3 million); Bay Clinic on Hawaii Island ($1 million); and the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center on Oahu ($1.7 million). Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Christian Gutierrez is serving a 45-day state jail term for killing Laysan albatrosses in the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve during his 2015 winter school break from New York University. Star-Advertiser.

Christian Gutierrez, 19, has been sentenced to 45 days in jail and must perform 200 hours of community service and pay $1,000 in restitution for his part in the killing of Laysan albatrosses at Kaena Point. Civil Beat.

A man accused of killing federally protected Laysan albatross birds on Oahu has been sentenced. KHON2.

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State fires execs at OCCC as jail's care for mentally ill inmates declines. Hawaii News Now.

The City and County of Honolulu is reviving a plan to build a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Ala Wai Canal. Hawaii Public Radio.

As of Thursday morning, Bikeshare Hawaii has reported more than 11,000 total rides. KITV.

Honolulu police dispatchers, beset with a bedbug infestation, have left their offices after bedbugs were discovered earlier this week. Star-Advertiser.

Workers at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport say dust from construction is causing a health hazard, and we’ve learned some people have gone to the hospital because of it. KHON2.

Single-family houses on Oahu soared to a median price of nearly $800,000 last month, prompting local real estate experts to forecast that the $1 million threshold could be breached within the next five years. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu was the only city among major U.S. metropolitan areas to see a decline in construction costs in April, but costs to build in Hawaii's largest city are still among the highest in the nation, according to a comparative cost index compiles by Rider Levett Bucknall. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra celebrated the conclusion of its fifth season, and current fiscal year, by meeting a $150,000 matching challenge by the family of its board chairman, the owner of Hawaii's ABC Stores, with the help of donors. Pacific Business News.

At Hawaiian Hope's tech center in Kakaako, tall stacks of computers wait to be cleaned, tested then repaired. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Residents planning to build in flood-prone areas will be required to take an additional step to get an exemption, under a bill advanced Thursday by a County Council committee. West Hawaii Today.

The owners of a biomass facility and Hawaii Electric Light Co. have a lot riding on a state Public Utilities Commission decision expected to come at month’s end. Star-Advertiser.

Responding to increased community complaints, the Hawaii County Council Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation voted Thursday to ban consumption of alcoholic beverages at James Kealoha Beach Park. Tribune-Herald.

Drinking alcohol at James Kealoha Beach Park in Keaukaha could soon be a thing of the past, legally speaking. Big Island Video News.

A farmers market at Hakalau Veterans Park will be allowed to resume its activities. Tribune-Herald.

The entire upper floor of the Lyman Museum is closed until late next year as the museum reconstructs its popular Island Heritage Gallery. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Auditor Lance Taguchi will examine county vehicle use and county employee travel as part of a planned list of audits for the current fiscal year. Maui News.

For the first time in more than a century, land titles held by Hawaii’s former sugar companies are being opened to challenge. At their peak in the 1930s, sugar plantations cultivated approximately 250,000 acres across the island chain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former HC&S equipment being moved. Maui News.

The Community Clinic of Maui will receive $1,350,479 in federal funds as part of a larger $4,069,396 appropriation for three community health centers in Hawaii. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Department of Water has scheduled a water shutdown for select Hanamaulu customers on Hipa Road, Hehi Road and on a portion of Kuhio Highway; mauka side, near Laukona Street. Water will be turned off on Tuesday, July 11 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday July 12; weather permitting. Garden Island.

A Kalaheo woman happily paid $10,000 when she was reunited Wednesday with her dogs that were missing for almost two weeks. Garden Island.

Special session for rail funding looming, Ige signs bill giving more tech oversight, $1M from nonprofit for homeless vets, HART study finally public, farmers market comes to Ala Moana Center, Oprah to speak on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rail plan for Honolulu transit, courtesy HART

Lawmakers haven’t yet agreed on the details, but leaders in the state House and Senate announced Monday they plan to hold a special session this summer to try to resolve their impasse over how to provide more funding for the city’s 20-mile rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers plan to convene a special session in July or August to again try to reach a deal on how to fund the remainder of Honolulu’s 20-mile rail project, which is now billions of dollars over budget. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers on Monday told the Federal Transit Administration that they will hold a special session this summer to find a solution for the funding issue surrounding Honolulu's rail project. Pacific Business News.

More than two months after lawmakers wrapped up the legislative session with no deal on how to fund Oahu's beleaguered rail project, state lawmakers are trying to reassure the federal government that they'll hold a special session on the issue by August. Hawaii News Now.

House Speaker Scot Saiki and Senate President Ron Kouchi have sent a letter to the Federal Transit Authority assuring they intend to meet in special session this summer. KITV.

Hawaii State legislative leadership says there will be a special session before the end of the summer in order to take on funding for Honolulu’s rail project. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii lawmakers plan to hold a special session this summer to discuss funding for Honolulu’s troubled rail line. Garden Island.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Monday signed into law a bill that provides increased oversight and third-party verification of state information technology projects within the executive branch. Pacific Business News.

Rep. Beth Fukumoto was accepted into the Democratic Party on Saturday with the unanimous vote of the Oahu county executive committee. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii, led by Governor David Ige, is staking out an increasingly combative stance in opposing Trump administration policies. Civil Beat.

MacNaughton Group donates $1 million to help Hawaii’s homeless veterans. Star-Advertiser.

Scores of homeless vets to be housed thanks to $1M donation to Hawaii nonprofit. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Candidates so far for LG fail to spark voter enthusiasm. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation in 2013 spent $35,000 on a peer review that yielded fairly routine findings. Its attorneys fought to keep the report secret for four years. Civil Beat.

Lawmaker demands answers after state boots deputy sheriffs from Honolulu airport patrols. KHON2.

The owner of Valley of the Temples Memorial Park will preserve and enlarge its historic main building, which includes Hawaiian heiau references, under a plan to establish mortuary services and a bigger chapel at the Windward Oahu property. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Moana Center is getting its own weekly farmers market. KHON2.

East Oahu neighborhoods experienced strong sales in May, with closed sales of single-family homes in the Aina Haina and Kuliouou area more than tripling, according to the Honolulu Board of Realtors monthly local market update.Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

A Kona coffee farmer whose fight against deportation has played out publicly in recent weeks is thanking Hawaii residents and lawmakers for their support. Hawaii News Now.

Researchers can now look with a bird’s-eye view at rapid ohia death in an entire forest and also microscopically within a single tree. Collaborating researchers showcased their wide-ranging technology for journalists Monday at the Hilo Air Patrol. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Water Supply reported last week that North Kona consumers are largely ignoring the mandatory 25 percent reduction in water usage the department first issued in January. West Hawaii Today.

Drought conditions on Hawaii Island are improving, according to the latest Drought Information Statement issued by the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County’s unemployment rate increased a fraction last month but remains near 10-year lows, according to recent figures from the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Global media leader and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey will appear for a special conversation at Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s outdoor Alexander & Baldwin Amphitheater on Monday, June 26. Maui Now.

Haleakalā National Park is still seeking cultural practitioners from local communities for is Hana Noʻeau program, a series of cultural demonstrations that is offered in the park’s Kīpahulu and Summit Districts. Maui Now.

The county’s electronics recycling program on Maui and Molokai will be suspended for five weeks beginning July 1 in order to implement new processing and Mainland shipping systems, the Department of Environmental Management has announced. Maui News.

Kmart’s last day of business on Maui drew many loyal customers for the same reason it always has over the past two decades: all the great deals. Maui News.

Kauai

County and industry leaders said Monday investments in renewable energy systems are key to lowering dependence on fossil fuels while strengthening the economy. Garden Island.

Sunday was a day when the more than 350 people involved with Tropic Care Kauai 2017 could let their hair down and enjoy the hospitality and gratitude of a grateful island at a luau put on by the Smith’s Tropical Paradise family. Garden Island.

Tropical Storm Darby leaves Hawaii, state Democrats split at convention, new marijuana magazine begins, cost of Maui special session, hot classrooms to greet returning students, audit find sloppy records at Big Island Parks&Rec, pollster predicts Kim lead for mayor, OHA threatens Mauna Kea lawsuit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Storm Darby cleanup in Puna, courtesy Sen. Russell Ruderman

Darby swept through the state over the weekend as a tropical storm, but it weakened to a depression early Monday. The Tropical Storm Warning has been dropped for all islands as it moved away from Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

The 70-foot Spirit of Kona vessel grounded and sank early Sunday near Kukailimoku Point in Kailua-Kona. The coastline was closed from King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel to Kukailimoku Point until further notice. West Hawaii Today.

Political conventions usually strive to project an image of unity, but Hawaii’s rough-and-tumble primary race this year caused a rift in the party that is reflected in the divided Hawaii delegation. Based on vote totals, Sanders secured 17 Hawaii delegates while Clinton won eight. That means most of the Hawaii delegates traveling to Philadelphia prefer Sanders, including newly elected Hawaii Democratic Party Chairman Tim Vandeveer, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Democratic National Committeeman-elect Bart Dame. Star-Advertiser.

A new statewide publication called The New Leaf aims to provide comprehensive information on all aspects of Hawaii’s emerging cannabis industry. Pacific Business News.

Next Monday, Hawai‘i public school students will return to classrooms across the state. And chances are, many of those school rooms will be hot. Hawaii Public Radio.

According to dockets filed with the Hawaii state Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday, NextEra Energy Inc. (NYSE: NEE) has filed to withdraw from its ongoing projects in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Big Risks Led To Big Losses For Hawaiian Electric. Hawaiian Electric leaders tried to turn an electric utility into an investment powerhouse. It didn’t quite stick. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Federal Transit Administration has agreed to give city officials more time to come up with a plan to either find the money to finish the Honolulu rail project as originally planned or end it at Middle Street. Civil Beat.

Although the Federal Transit Administration has granted an extension until the end of the year for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation and the city to develop a recovery plan for the Honolulu rail project, it's not as much time as Mayor Kirk Caldwell had requested. Pacific Business News.

The state is moving forward with plans to build a community of more than 200 affordable housing units in Honolulu as part of an effort to address Hawaii's homelessness problem. KITV.

Frustrated Hawaii health officials say they have faced a number of challenges trying to identify the source of a hepatitis A outbreak that has affected at least 74 people on the island of Oahu. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The Department of Parks and Recreation has plugged a leak in its cash-handling procedure following an audit that pointed to lax security. It’s not known how much money might not have found its way into the county coffers that should have been deposited there. West Hawaii Today.

It may not be the most scientific survey, but George Yokoyama said his political polling hasn’t been wrong in the 40 years he’s been doing it. Yokoyama’s latest poll, mailed to 3,000 Big Island households in early June, showed former Mayor Harry Kim leading former county Managing Director Wally Lau by double digits, Yokoyama confirmed this week. West Hawaii Today.

Accusing the state and University of Hawaii of having “grossly mismanaged” Mauna Kea, the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs has been working behind the scenes for months in a move to gain some control over the summit of Hawaii’s tallest mountain. Now, having been rebuffed in its attempts, OHA is threatening to go to court over the issue. Star-Advertiser.

Now, it’s time for Hilo voters to decide who will be their state senator. The District 1 seat is up for grabs after the death of Sen. Gil Kahele last January at age 73.  Tribune-Herald.

Greggor Ilagan, a Hawaii County councilman, is seeking to unseat state Sen. Russell Ruderman in the Democratic primary. And the race is getting heated. Tribune-Herald.

Democrats voting in the District 2 state House primary race have three vastly different choices. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The dollar amount to help public employees at three Maui-area hospitals is not yet known, but the cost to taxpayers to hold a special legislative session was at least $10,000. Civil Beat.

A cascading waterfall surrounded by vibrant green grass and palm trees at the airport will be the new gateway for visitors arriving and leaving Maui starting today. Maui News.

Young Brothers is proposing a 4.4 percent general increase to its shipping rates that the company says would make up for rising expenses and low cargo growth, but some Maui County residents fear it would create hardships on agriculture and small businesses. Maui News.

A consent order between Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. and the state Health Department over air quality and reporting violations that calls for the sugar plantation to pay $600,000 in fines and other remedies has been finalized. Maui News.

Kauai

Former state land surveyor Thomas Oi is challenging incumbent state Rep. James Tokioka for the District 15 seat. Star-Advertiser.

In March, something unexpected happened. State Rep. Derek Kawakami gave up his secure spot in the House after a five-year stint and decided to run for the Kauai County Council. The rare open seat has spurred a three-way race to represent District 14, which runs from Wailua on the east side through Hanalei on the north shore. Civil Beat.

Lanai

Hawaii’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate fell in June to 3.3 percent, down from 3.6 percent during the same month last year. However, Lanai saw a tripling of its unemployment rate. Pacific Business News.

Ige vetoes Airbnb tax, six other bills, lawmakers call special override session on Maui hospital, Biden stopping in Hawaii, Kenoi ethics case delayed again, Anaergia seeks to sell energy to Maui Electric, revamp for Kauai Black Pot park, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai short-term vacation rental © 2016 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige has vetoed a bill that would allow short-term accommodations brokers, such as Airbnb, to act as tax collection agents for the state, along with six other measures that he found problematic for various reasons. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige dropped the veto hammer Tuesday on seven bills, including one that would have allowed vacation-rental companies like Airbnb to collect taxes on behalf of the state. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige vetoed a bill that would have allowed online lodging services like Airbnb to collect taxes, delving into a debate about whether websites should be held responsible for the listings people post on their sites. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige announced the vetoes of seven bills Tuesday, including one that prompted the Hawaii State Legislature to call for a special session. West Hawaii Today.

Governor David Ige announced the veto of seven bills on Monday, a day ahead of Tuesday’s July 12th deadline. Maui Now.

The Hawaii Legislature convened a special session on Tuesday in an effort to save a bill aimed at providing benefits for unionized employees at three state-owned Maui hospitals who risk losing their jobs due to privatization. Pacific Business News.

Lawmakers gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday for a special “override” session to consider Gov. David Ige’s veto of a bill to provide severance payments or retirement bonuses to workers at three Maui County hospitals, but quickly recessed without voting. Lawmakers are scheduled to return to the Capitol on Monday to continue their deliberations on whether to amend the bill or allow the governor’s veto to stand. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers back in special session to salvage Maui hospitals deal. KITV.

David Ige Vetoes Far Fewer Bills Than His Predecessors. Hawaii’s governor has vetoed 16 bills from the first two legislative sessions of his term. Former governor Linda Lingle has him beat – by a lot. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers convened a special session Tuesday to revive a bill providing financial assistance to public employees at three hospitals in Maui County that was vetoed by Gov. David Ige on Monday. Civil Beat.

The legislature convened a special session today to consider the Governor’s veto of a bill to help Maui hospital workers.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Vice President Joseph Biden will make a brief layover in Hawaii this week on his way to state visits in Australia and New Zealand, the White House announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

State Public Utilities Commission Chairman Randy Iwase said Tuesday he is hopeful the commission will announce a decision on NextEra Energy Inc.’s $4.3 billion proposed purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. this week. Star-Advertiser.

A 10-page unsigned document titled “ODC COMPLAINT” that was distributed to some media outlets late last week has blown up into a request for a full-fledged investigation amid concerns over its impact on the sale of Hawaiian Electric to NextEra Energy, the biggest business deal in Hawaii’s history. Civil Beat.

Why Hawaii Has A Double Standard On Isolating Prison Inmates. Hawaii lets its for-profit prison contractor set its own rules for what it terms segregated, instead of solitary, confinement. Civil Beat.

A fighter pilot and former U.S. Air Force commander in South Korea has taken over as the top U.S. Air Force leader in the Pacific. Associated Press.

A group working to raise $2 million to bring the newly created Native Hawaiian constitution to a ratification vote by the end of the year says they’re running behind schedule. Associated Press.

Items confiscated at Hawaii airports now up for sale. KHON2.

Oahu

The reams of paperwork in Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his prosecutor wife, Katherine's lawsuit against the Honolulu Ethics Commission include records that reveal new details about what provoked the federal probe. Civil Beat.

A group whose stated purpose is to lobby and educate government officials, property owners, vendors and the public about the vacation rental industry is suing to invalidate the way the city enforces its bans on some bed-and-breakfast and transient vacation rental units. Star-Advertiser.

In an effort to build on existing plans for transit-oriented development in Waipahu, the city is holding a meeting today to identify short-term projects to enhance Waipahu town. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Attorney General’s Office said Tuesday that former state Rep. Richard Fale pleaded no contest July 1 in state District Court for failing to file “a complete and accurate candidate committee report.” Civil Beat.

With the number of hepatitis A cases on Oahu climbing to 52 adults, state health officials are urging all residents to consider getting vaccinated — and especially anyone who consumed food or drinks at a Waipahu ice cream shop between June 17 and July 3. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The county Board of Ethics moved Tuesday to defer until November a complaint that Mayor Billy Kenoi’s use of a county-issued credit card for personal expenses violated the Ethics Code, while a petition alleging the panel’s vice chairman is biased toward Kenoi and shouldn’t be allowed to hear the matter won’t be considered until next month’s hearing. Tribune-Herald.

A lingering ethics complaint against Council Chairman Dru Kanuha could be revisited next month, just a few days before the primary election. The unresolved ethics issue is one reason Kanuha, who’s never had an opponent in his four-year political career, faces a challenger for his Kona council seat. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Anaergia Services is seeking local buyers for its biogas and engaging in talks with the state's only franchised gas utility, Hawaii Gas Co., as it awaits a ruling from the state Public Utilities Commission on its efforts to get Maui Electric Co. to consider purchasing its product, a company official said. Maui News.

South Maui Rep. Kaniela Ing pulled no punches Monday evening in his first face-to-face forum with challenger Deidre Tegarden, questioning her campaign support and endorsements. Maui News.

The Maui Mall Service Center will reopen Monday after a four-month closure following rain damage from a leaky roof, the county announced. Maui News.

Kauai

The Department of Parks and Recreation is leading a public planning effort to develop a master plan for the future expansion of Black Pot Beach Park. Garden Island.

Solar power incentive programs can useful, according David Bissell, president and CEO of Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, but they need to undergo periodic evaluation. Garden Island.

Dengue fever spreads on Big Island, Ethics Commission probes lawmaker spending, special session set to confirm judges, Kewalo Basin development planned, Maui Dems to learn about presidential contenders, Lihue’s Town Core revitalization, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hotels along Waikiki © 2015 All Hawaii News

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is reportedly in talks with a couple of suitors, including Hyatt Hotels and multiple Chinese entities, and while anything is possible, a Hyatt-Starwood marriage could start some waves in Waikiki. Pacific Business News.

State Ethics Commission staff say lawmakers may have misused their taxpayer-funded annual allowances, and they plan to take a closer look at recent expenditures, particularly those for meals, hotels and event tickets. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii state Senate will convene in special session next week to consider three judicial nominations. Last week, Gov. David Ige appointed Shirley M. Kawamura, the current District Court Judge of the First Circuit, to the First Circuit Court, and Melvin H. Fujino, the current District Family Court Judge of the Third Circuit, to the Third Circuit Court. Also last week, Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald appointed James C. McWhinnie to the District Court of the First Circuit. Civil Beat.

State health officials are pulling overtime to resume posting inspection reports for long-term care facilities online as required by law, but so far it’s only for certain types of homes and there are no guarantees how long the agency will keep up with it. Civil Beat.

A bitter — and increasingly costly — dispute between an Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee and her fellow trustees is entering its third year, with no settlement in sight. Earlier this month a state circuit court judge in Honolulu set a trail date of Oct. 31, 2016, in the case of Akana v. Machado, named for Rowena Akana and Colette Machado, a former chairwoman of the OHA Board of Trustees. Civil Beat.

Oahu

After a decade of trying, Chad Callan and his team at the Oceanic Institute of Hawaii Pacific University have finally unlocked the mystery of the yellow tang. Star-Advertiser.

People who serve their full prison sentences are at great risk of becoming homeless on O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

As part of a program that encourages people to get off public assistance, state officials recently gave a Waipahu family a $30,000 check. The money represented five years of savings: As part of the program, rather than the state keeping rent increases that public housing or Section 8 families must pay when their income goes up, those funds went into an escrow account. Hawaii News Now.

How much — or little — commercial development is appropriate around Hawaii’s only commercial small-boat harbor is being assessed by a state board after two developers presented revised proposals Thursday to develop underutilized state land bordering Kewalo Basin in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

A controversial permit request to construct a church, parking lot and other facilities on a Mililani Mauka site that serves as a water quality detention basin was approved Monday, despite opposition from several community members. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

At least two people, and likely four more, have been infected with dengue fever after being bitten by mosquitoes on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
Despite calls from the public for more openness and transparency, the Maui Liquor Control Commission waived its selection process again Wednesday - choosing not to solicit a list of applicants - and after meeting behind closed doors re-appointed Dana Souza as director of the Department of Liquor Control. Maui News.

The Maui County Democratic Party will host a County Committee Meeting and a Democratic Presidential Caucus Information Session on Tuesday, Nov. 3, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Lihikai Elementary School Cafeteria in Kahului. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai’s vision for the future of Lihue’s Town Core is what helped secure $13 million in federal money to improve the city. Garden Island.

In the last dozen years, Ed Lyman has helped free 22 humpback whales from entanglements, recovering buoys and more than 9,000 feet of fishing line that were once wound around the bodies of these majestic endangered species. Garden Island.

Molokai
Native Hawaiian activist and Molokai resident Walter Ritte Jr. announced Wednesday that he is no longer seeking to be a delegate to a Native Hawaiian constitutional convention, calling the process "not pono" and asking others to boycott the election of delegates beginning next month. Maui News.